Krier Foods – Random Lake, WI

Fast Track Process Control Installation
On November 15, 2004, Krier Foods was confronted with a real problem.  The company was constructing a batch mixing area to win a major beverage contract.  In order to win the business, the system had to be ready to run tests in approximately three weeks--no later than December 7, 2004.  A tank fabrication company had the responsibility of installing a complete operational control solution to batch and control two individual 6,000 gallon blend tanks and two 300 gallon mixing tanks in order to test a sample in front of a global soft drink provider. However, the tank fabrication company had problems with getting product and would not be able to meet Krier Food’s critical deadline.  Faced with this challenge, Krier turned to Crane Engineering.

To meet Krier Foods’ deadline, the control panels, assembly, electrical drawings, and equipment needed to be in the factory no later than December 2, 2004—just over two weeks away.  Prior to quoting the system, Crane Engineering quickly checked to ensure all parts were available and would arrive in time, and that staff was available to design, build, and test the project in a 15-day window. It was vital to Crane that they not only meet Krier Foods’ fast track schedule, but also do it without adding unreasonable expense for the client.  Crane negotiated an agreement with its equipment suppliers for price and availability that met Crane’s criteria and the company was able to propose a solution that met Krier Foods’ requirements.

The Crane team performed as promised, and met Krier Foods’ December 2nd deadline.  Crane had developed an affordable process solution and implemented this solution in an extremely limited amount of time. The process Crane controlled created an excellent product with precise batching capabilities, and helped Krier Foods win the beverage contract that ultimately elevated them to the next level of manufacturing.